Question for Trad Gang Elk Hunters. I was wondering what's the easiest State for a non-resident to draw an Elk Tag? I know Vince from Mohawk Longbows said Colorado was pretty easy for a Jersey Boy to get a tag. Anyothers? I watched a youtube video about Elk Hunting in Raton New Mexico! Holy Moly!  Amazing area!

I think tags are available over-the-counter in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon... and I may have overlooked other states.

Don't waste your money on New Mexico and hard to draw too. Go to southern Colorado for better odds and similar or better country.

We have lots of OTC units here in CO. And a few units you can draw first year.

Some parts of Colorado have OTC elk tags.

For NM I believe you can get landowner tags but they don't come cheap and without knowledge you may have a tag with no elk to hunt.

MT has not sold all their elk licenses for a few years.

Colorado has been mentioned. Also OTC options in Utah with backcountry options. Not a trophy hunt, but plenty of elk in the Uinta mountain range if you're willing to hike deep enough 5-10 miles. Good luck!

I believe Colorado is the only state with "UNLIMITED" OTC tags.  I think all the other states mentioned have limits on the OTC elk licenses.

Bentpole...

Idaho is OTC with a "limited" amount of tags, but since they don't hit the limit, it is OTC.

Similarly, Montana has a "limited" draw but in the last 4-5 years the don't sell out thus it isn't limited either though you need to apply.  You can also back out if you apply, get the tag, and decide not to go.

Montana used to be a harder draw, like one tag every 1.5 to 2 years on average, but 4-5 years ago the "fixed it" by raising the out-of-state tag costs and thus chased some of the market away.

Colorado is the best bet for OTC tags and good hunting. Lots of elk although the cow to bull ratios could be better. Also tags are reasonably priced.

Montana hasn't sold out of tags in quite a while, even for rifle hunters. A fair amount of wolves plus a hesitancy to get off the roads/trails means people are seeing fewer elk in MT.

I had a great season, something ate the calf I shot but saw plenty of elk.

Hey Tom! When you get that 3D elk target set up in you back yard let me know... Skipper and I will come over and help put some holes in it!

... mike ...    ...